An unexpected pop of turquoise will have you wanting to wear this Via Spiga double-breasted patent trench rain or shine; $149 at amazon.com/fashion.

; (Credit: Handout)

For the past months, well, it's fair to say we've had more than our fair share of some s-e-r-i-o-u-s weather. And now, just when you thought it was safe to emerge from your winter cocoon, April showers are upon us -- and the very notion of throwing on some banal, beige raincoat and boring rubber boots is a bit of a downer. "Your mother probably got you a London Fog when you graduated from college,...

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For the past months, well, it's fair to say we've had more than our fair share of some s-e-r-i-o-u-s weather. And now, just when you thought it was safe to emerge from your winter cocoon, April showers are upon us -- and the very notion of throwing on some banal, beige raincoat and boring rubber boots is a bit of a downer.

"Your mother probably got you a London Fog when you graduated from college, or you have a basic Burberry," says Adam Glassman, creative director at O, the Oprah Magazine. "So many people have such shlumpy rain gear that ruins their look, and there's so much über-chic stuff out there."

Indeed, this season, designers and retailers are offering up smart, stylish, lively options that explode with color and pattern. Michelle Smith, the designer and founder of Milly, is among those who have put a fun spin on rainwear. "I wanted to add some humor and wit to the classic rain trench this season, so I made it transparent," says Smith. "Rainy days are universally rather depressing, so my hope is that this coat will make you a little more excited to get out of bed and get dressed in the morning."

If you don't want to go clear, find blasts of turquoise and red and chartreuse, patent finishes and mod prints among other gloom chasers.

We've all been there -- you're struttin' in your new, gorgeous suede stilettos, and the skies open up, drenching you and virtually destroying your shoes.

No more. A clever new "over-boot" called PYSIS (pronounced like Pisces, the water sign) comes in its own carry bag and slips over most shoes and boots. They're kind of like your dad's old galoshes -- remember those? But these are so much more chic with a shiny waterproof, patent finish, easy elastic closures and a molded rubber sole. And best of all, they'll save your shoes. Disaster averted.